Benin is a Western Africa country which consists of territory extended northward for approximately 420 miles from the Gulf of Guinea located in the Atlantic Ocean 75- mile seacoast towards the Niger River, which forms part of Benin’s northern border of Niger. The country’s official language is French — Fon, Yom, and Yoruba have the status of national languages. The census displays Fon as the most widely spoken first language followed by Baatonum, and Borgu Fulfulde.

The demographic profile of Benin is approximately 14,219,908 (2023 est.) and it’s important to know Benin has quite a youthful age structure. Nearly 65% of its population is under the age of 25-years old bolstered by high fertility and population growth rates amongst other contributing factors. Additionally, here’s a mere glimpse of ethnic group and religion breakdowns: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, and Bariba), Europeans 5,500. Religions: Indigenous beliefs (animist) 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%. Languages:

As it relates to Independence Day — each year on August 1, the Benin celebrates its Independence Day commemorating the day in 1960 on which it gained its full independence from France. It is celebrated as the country’s National Day.

Needless to say, Benin is comprised of countless intriguing facts but here are a few fun facts you need to know!

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